Projector vs TV - pros and cons

[USAFRet]

Currently have a 61" Infocus DLP. On its last legs. Looking to get a new display device in the next 6 months.

Torn between a projector or a 60-70" TV.
Have sufficient wall space to project to, have available ceiling space to mount a projector. Audio will go through the Onkyo receiver and the 5.1 speakers.

Room is pretty well lit in the afternoon (sun coming in the patio door).

What are your pros and cons of a TV vs projector.

Budget $1500 USD max.

 

[americanaudiophile]

If you cannot control the light coming through the patio door with vertical blinds or curtains and you want to use it in the afternoon with light hitting the screen then projection is not for you.
If you can control the light a projector will give you a better picture than the flat panels in your price range. You will also not be limited to a small 60-70" picture.
You will quickly get used to a more theater like presentation when the screen size is not a budget limitation. For gaming the large screen is much more immersive.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, that's what I'm thinking. I have an older VGA level projector I'll set up as a trial first.

I can block off most of the afternoon light, but don't really want to shut it out completely.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Do you plan to use it as your primary viewing device? or just for the odd movie session? projectors are not swuited to long periods of use, you will chew through lamps and the visual quality will degrade quickly, lcd projectors are particularly prone to dust and image burn in.

 

[USAFRet]

Do you plan to use it as your primary viewing device? or just for the odd movie session? projectors are not swuited to long periods of use, you will chew through lamps and the visual quality will degrade quickly, lcd projectors are particularly prone to dust and image burn in.

Primary viewing device.
More and more leaning towards the 60-70" regular flat panel.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Do you plan to use it as your primary viewing device? or just for the odd movie session? projectors are not swuited to long periods of use, you will chew through lamps and the visual quality will degrade quickly, lcd projectors are particularly prone to dust and image burn in.

Primary viewing device.
More and more leaning towards the 60-70" regular flat panel.

i would say thats a wise choice, alathough i know it's hard to resist having a projected screen as big as your wall....

 

[USAFRet]

Moving house, and the distances are a little different than previous. Our primary room with my and SWMBO's PCs...TV thing at the end...even the 61" is looking a little 'small'.

 

[tomc53]

The biggest Pro of a TV is that it has a Tuner built-in, and most now have network apps line Netflix and Hulu, without haveing to connect to a PC.
Also, TVs tend to have 'richer' color, because of the back-lighting rather than reflective , unless you use an actual screen.
Bulbs can also be expensive, but that size!!!
If you decide to project, you might look into a screen, with speakers mounted in the wall behind it. But that's just MY dream...

 

[USAFRet]

No need (nor want) for a 'smart tv'. PC already exists for that. Netflix, Amazon, large library of in house movies/music, etc.
No tuner needed, due to the FiOS DVR box.
Already have a projection screen, and a can of Behr SilverScreen paint if needed.

Still leaning to the TV, though....

 

[Wolfshadw]

For everyday viewing, I have to agree. You want to go with the HDTV. Projectors are fun for the occasional movie/sporting event, but as a primary device, not so much. Constantly having to block ambient light whenever you want to watch TV would become a very tedious task.

-Wolf sends